The Forbes Lectureship is an integral part of the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) Grass Fellowship Program. This Lectureship began in 1959 in honor of Alexander Forbes.

Each year a high-profile scientist from outside the MBL community is invited by the Trustees of The Grass Foundation to present two lectures as part of the Friday evening lecture series in July. In addition, the scientist is encouraged to spend a month in residence to interact with the Grass Fellows.